Today Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich announces the indictment of two men in a series of rape cases - one rape that happened 25 years ago.

Smiley Watts, 68, raped three women and attempted to rape a fourth woman. The cases were solved after one of the women came forward after being raped in January of this year. She immediately reported what happened and a months-long investigation into Watts began.

Cincinnati Police detectives ended up linking Watts to three other cases which occurred in 2000, 2015, and 2019 via DNA evidence and extensive database research.

In each instance, Watts is accused of preying on women he met on the street or in treatment facilities.

On May 19, 2000: Watts met a woman he knew for several weeks prior in her home, punched her, and then raped her. The woman was 28 years old at the time and is now 53 years old.

On March 21, 2015: Watts met a woman he knew for several weeks in her home, placed her in a chokehold and attempted to rape her. The woman was 46 years old at the time and is now 56 years old.

On Feb. 16, 2019: Watts met a woman downtown and went back to his home with her. Once there, Watts pinned down the woman’s hands and raped her despite her saying no multiple times. The woman was 28 years old at the time and is now 34 years old. A second man, James Moore, was also present and raped the woman right after Watts raped her.

On Jan. 3, 2025: Watts raped a 36-year-old woman he met at a local rehabilitation center. She invited him to her home while he waited for a ride. Once inside, Watts shoved her onto her bed, physically restrained her, and threatened her with a gun before raping her.

Watts was indicted on three charges of rape and a charge of attempted rape. He was arrested on May 21, 2025, and is being held in the Hamilton County Justice Center on a $250,000 bond. Moore, 63, was indicted on one charge of rape.

Cincinnati Police detectives believe there could be more cases and are urging women to come forward with information about either suspect.

“These are heinous crimes women have had to live with all these years,” said Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich. “In one case, 25 years has passed. But the law has finally caught up with these men. We will seek justice for the women and ensure accountability for these monstrous acts.”

The four charges Watts was indicted on carry a repeat violent offender specification which carries a possible life prison term.

For questions, please call Hamilton County Communications Director Sharon Coolidge at 513-946-3278 or Cincinnati Police Lt. Jonathan Cunningham at Jonathan.Cunningham@cincinnati-oh.gov